Miami Hurricanes Football: 3 Stars from the Syracuse Game

The surging Miami Hurricanes played host to the Syracuse Orange on Saturday afternoon. Syracuse entered the game with plenty of momentum after upsetting Clemson a week ago. However, it was a different result when Orange took their Air Raid offense to Hard Rock Stadium. Pulling off a 27–19 win over Syracuse, Miami extended their win streak to 11 games dating back to last season and remain undefeated on the season. The Hurricanes have now won six in a row against the Orange dating back to 1999. With no further ado, here are your three stars from the game.

#3: Michael Pinckney

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After leaving last week’s game with an injury, it was not guaranteed that Miami would get LB Michael Pinckney at 100%. After tallying two sacks in the first half, flying from sideline-to-sideline, finding himself around the ball like he always does, it appears that Mike Pinckney scoffs at your concerns for his health. Pinckney led all Hurricanes with nine total tackles and credited with two and half sacks. No. 56 made sure to leave his mark not just on the game, but on Syracuse QB Eric Dungey as well.

#2: Malik Rosier

QB Malik Rosier started out well today, completing five of six passes for 44 yards. While it was far from perfect, especially given the numerous drops by receivers on the day, Rosier managed to have another decent game, especially on a day when Miami’s running game struggled for a majority of the day. The highs were great, connecting with WR Jeff Thomas on a momentum-gathering TD pass. The lows, were kept at a minimum, for the most part. Rosier finished the day completing 26 of 43 pass attmepts, 344 passing yards, two touchdown passes, adding 45 rushing yards on nine carries.

#1: Michael Jackson

Snatching two interceptions on the day, CB Michael Jackson did his best impersonation of his namesake, playing like a smooth criminal on Saturday afternoon. While Jackson’s first interception was a gift from Syracuse, his second interception came as a result of excellent coverage, running step-for-step with his assignment to make a play on the ball. After providing excellent support in the run game against Georgia Tech last week, Jackson illustrated his versatility by making plays in the secondary.

Honorable Mentions

The defensive secondary had themselves a solid day against Syracuse’s passing attack. The Hurricanes forced four turnovers, all interceptions, in the first half alone. Yep, the ‘Turnover Chain’ made many appearances today. Johnson recorded his first interception of the season, which means he got to bask in the glory of the ‘Turnover Chain’. When Miami’s defensive backs were not securing turnovers, they played well in coverage. CB Malek Young came up big against Syracuse’s top passing threat, WR Steve Ismael, breaking up multiple targets intended for NCAA’s leader in receptions. DT Richard McIntosh continues to be Miami’s most disruptive force on the defensive line, Mcintosh was in on five total tackles and credited with five pass break ups. LB Shaq Quarterman picked up a sack,registered four tackles, and was in Dungey’s face most of the afternoon.

RB Travis Homer provided the nail in Syracuse’s coffin, bursting out of the backfield for 33-yard touchdown run to increase Miami’s leadt late in the fourth quarter. Credit to OT KC McDermott on the block that sprung that play. It was a grind for Homer today, gaining just 24 rushing yards on nine carries in the first half. Homer’s final stat line reads: 20 carries, 99 rushing yards, 27 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.

Christopher Herndon IV

Being overshadowed by the wide receivers entering the game, TE Christopher Herndon IV is the passing option that people tend to forget. That appeared to be the case on his 35-yard reception in the first quarter, as Syracuse let the TE run free along the sideline. Herndon was rewarded for his reliability, catching a pass on a slant route for a 10-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. Herndon finished a productive afternoon with 10 receptions for 96 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Ahmmon Richards

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In his first game action since playing against FSU two weeks ago, it was clear that WR Ahmmon Richards was a bit rusty, dropping a few balls that he normally snags with ease. However, if there was concern about that hamstring injury, they were put to rest with a hurdle, reminiscent of the one he made against Notre Dame, over a pair Syracuse defenders. Richards finished with 99 receiving yards on six receptions.

IT’S ALWAYS ABOUT THE U!